Touch Screen Camera Focus Adjustment via Scene Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing devices require manual focus adjustments and lack intuitive methods for automatically adapting to scene changes, limiting user convenience and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld electronic device with a touch-sensitive screen allows users to initiate a touch-to-focus mode by selecting a region, automatically determining exposure and focus areas, and includes an automatic scene change detection mechanism that adjusts settings accordingly, switching to continuous autofocus if the scene changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focus adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to select a region on the display screen, and the automatic focus mechanism automatically focuses on that selected region without requiring manual lens adjustment. The processor automatically determines the focus area based on the user's screen selection and controls the lens to focus accordingly, making the system self-serving in the focus adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus adjustment with an automated electronic system. Instead of physically moving the lens to adjust focus, users interact with a touch-sensitive display screen, and the processor electronically controls the lens positioning based on the selected region, substituting mechanical user manipulation with electronic automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic focus on center of display is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the focus area based on real-time user input from the touch-sensitive display. Instead of being fixed on the center of the display, the focus area automatically repositions according to where the user taps or selects on the screen, making the system adaptable to different subject locations and scene changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the touch-sensitive display to automatically adjust the focus area. When the user selects a region on the screen, the processor detects this input and uses it as feedback to reposition the focus area accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user needs in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If manual exposure adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic exposure mechanism automatically adjusts exposure parameters based on the selected region on the display screen. The processor analyzes the luminance distribution of the selected area and automatically determines appropriate exposure settings, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust exposure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes exposure parameters such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO based on the luminance distribution detected in the selected region. The processor modifies these parameters dynamically to achieve optimal exposure for the specific scene and subject, making exposure adjustment as easy as selecting a region on the screen.
4Adaptability or versatility
If scene change detection is added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic scene change detection mechanism continuously monitors the scene and provides feedback to the processor. When a scene change is detected, the system automatically adjusts the focus area and exposure settings accordingly, using feedback loops to maintain optimal imaging parameters despite changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the scene luminance distribution before capturing images. By pre-processing the scene data to detect potential scene changes and determine optimal focus and exposure areas in advance, the system prepares the imaging parameters ahead of time, reducing the complexity of real-time adjustments when actual capture occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
Several methods for operating a built-in digital camera of a portable, handheld electronic device are described. In one embodiment, the device receives a user selection (e.g., tap, tap and hold, gesture) of a region displayed on the display screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen). A touch to focus mode may then be initiated in response to the user selection and exposure and focus parameters determined and adjusted. Then, an automatic scene detection mechanism can determine whether a scene has changed. If the scene has changed, then the touch to focus mode ends and a default automatic focus mode initiates. This mode sets a new exposure metering area and focus area prior to determining and adjusting exposure and focus parameters, respectively.